Harrison Food Artisan Makes Appearance At Wine Festival

Guests taste wine and chat with winemakers from around the region.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminCarmela Decker of Senza Glutine stole the show with her gluten-free baked goods.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminLori Mancini of Brewster is a co-owner of Heat Sweets.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminWineries from the Hudson Valley poured tasting glasses for customers.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminEd Tiege, owner of Still The One Distillery in Port Chester.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminAdirondack Winery came down from Lake George to share samples of their wines.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminBottles sporting artistic labels lined the long tables. Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminA funny t-shirt for sale.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminDutch's Spirits sold their sugar wash moonshine along with other products.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminProducts from The Olive Table, owned by Dianne Hinaris from Harrison.Photo Credit: Suzanne SaminSeveral bands kept the music going at the festival.Photo Credit: Suzanne Samin

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PATTERSON, N.Y. -- Though the overcast skies Saturday, Aug. 2 may have affected attendance, Lori Mancini of Brewster was still happy that she came out to the Putnam County Wine and Food Festival.

The annual festival, which is in its fourth year, brings together the region's best wineries, breweries, distilleries, food vendors and artisans for two days to the site of the Patterson Flea Market.

A portion of the event's proceeds are going to support Hillside Food Outreach, a 501c3 not-for-profit, which exists to provide food to those in need throughout Westchester, Putnam Counties, and Western Connecticut.

Mancini is a co-owner of Heat Sweets, a Brewster-based company that crafts condiments, jellies and relishes with a spicy kick.

"This is our second year here," Mancini said. "We did pretty well the last time we were here, and people asked for us back."

Mancini said the crowd was a little slow Saturday, but hoped it would improve on Sunday for the second day of the festival.

Ed Tiege and his wife Laura, owners of Still The One Distillery in Port Chester, were attending the festival for the first time to sell their spirits, which are all crafted using honey.

"We're enjoying the festival," Tiege said. "We've been open for four years, but this is our first time here."

As Laura chatted with customers and poured samples for eager customers, Ed discussed the distillery's process.

"Our facilities are in a very industrial area, so we're not doing tours yet," he said. "But our whiskey, gin, vodka and rum are available in stores in the area."

Dianne Hinaris of Harrison was also at the festival selling her artisanal olive oil and honey, which she sells through her business The Olive Table.

The Putnam Valley Wine and Food Festival is also open on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $35.